Syringe with Co-Molded Hub and Cannula

ABSTRACT

A prefilled syringe for injecting medicament into a patient includes a barrel constructed of a polymeric material, a cannula and a hub. The barrel has a diameter, a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula has a proximal end and a tip opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the cannula is fixed to the distal end of the barrel. The cannula is positioned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The hub is integrally formed with the distal end. The hub includes a rib section and a cap. The rib section has a generally cruciform cross-section taken along a rib plane. The rib plane is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cap has a generally U-shaped cross-section taken along a longitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/237,429, filed on Sep. 20, 2011, entitled “Syringe With Co-Molded Hub and Cannula,” currently pending which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/680,609, filed Mar. 29, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,496,862, which is a Section 371 of International Application No. PCT/US09/031112, filed Jan. 15, 2009, which was published in the English language on Jul. 23, 2009 under International Publication No. WO 2009/091895 A2 and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/021,186, filed Jan. 15, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hub for a syringe that is co-molded with a cannula and a method for forming or co-molding the cannula to the syringe barrel. The cannula is preferably a fine gauge cannula, which is co-molded to the syringe barrel to form a staked needle device.

The process of bonding a cannula to a syringe barrel involves precisely positioning and then bonding the cannula to the syringe without damaging the cannula. Bends or burrs in the cannula resulting from the manufacturing process can increase perceived pain of the patient. The cannula is preferably co-axial with the center or longitudinal axis of the syringe. The cannula is also preferably bonded to the syringe to withstand an approximately twenty-two Newton (22 N) pull test rating in accordance with the International Standards Organization's (ISO's) standards.

The cannula of a syringe having a polymeric barrel is traditionally interference fit into a preformed barrel utilizing techniques similar to those used to manufacture syringes having glass barrels. The cannula is often affixed to the syringe by an adhesive when utilizing this method. Adhesive bonding to affix a cannula to the barrel of the syringe may be undesirable in certain situations because the adhesive may contain chemicals that could leach into the medication in the syringe. The medication may be prefilled in to the syringe, resulting in potentially prolonged exposure of the medication to the adhesive. The leaching chemicals of the adhesive may have an adverse impact on the medication/biological compound(s) maintained in the barrel of the syringe, such as altering the efficacy and/or stability of the syringe contents that eventually enter the patient.

In order to avoid the use of an adhesive, the cannula is typically crimped near its proximal end and the syringe barrel is insert molded over the proximal end of the cannula so that the syringe molds over the crimped proximal end to securely grip and retain the cannula. Though crimping the proximal end may avoid the use of an adhesive, relatively fine gauge cannulas, for example twenty-seven to thirty (27-30) gauge cannulas cannot usually be crimped without potentially damaging the cannula due to their small physical dimensions. Regardless of the attachment method, it is difficult to position, hold, and/or mount a fragile, fine gauge cannula without damaging the cannula.

It would be desirable to design, construct and employ a mechanism that holds the cannula, particularly a small diameter cannula, during the insert molding process to attach the cannula directly to a polymeric syringe barrel without the use of an adhesive or the need to crimp the cannula and without damaging the cannula. It is also desirable to construct a hub at the distal end of the barrel that effectively secures the cannula to the barrel and provides sufficient strength to withstand the operating conditions of the syringe, while utilizing a cost-effective and efficient manufacturing process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present application is directed to a prefilled syringe for injecting medicament into a patient including a barrel constructed of a polymeric material, a cannula and a hub. The barrel has a diameter, a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula has a root end and a tip opposite the root end. The root end is fixed to the distal end of the barrel. The cannula is positioned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The hub is integrally formed or co-molded with the distal end. The hub includes a rib section and a cap. The rib section has a generally cruciform cross-section taken along a rib plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cap has a generally U-shaped cross-section taken along a longitudinal plane that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In another aspect, the present application is directed to a prefilled syringe for injecting medicament into a patient. The syringe includes a barrel constructed of a polymeric material, a cannula and a hub. The barrel has a diameter, a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula has a root end and a tip opposite the root end. The root end is fixed to the distal end of the barrel. The cannula is positioned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The hub is integrally formed with the distal end. The hub includes a rib section and a cap. The rib section includes a first pair of ribs and a second pair of ribs. The first pair of ribs has a generally H-shaped cross-section and the second pair of ribs has a generally rectangular-shaped cross-section. The cannula is co-molded with the rib section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a staked needle formed through the use of a collet mechanism in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged rear elevational view of the staked needle shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an enlarged front elevational view of the staked needle shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a side elevational view of the staked needle shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the staked needle shown in FIG. 1A taken from within circle 1F of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1F is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view of the needle end of the staked needle shown in FIG. 1A taken from within circle 1F of FIG. 1E;

FIG. 2A is a greatly enlarged perspective view of a needle tip of the staked needle shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a greatly enlarged side elevational view of the needle tip shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a greatly enlarged side elevational view of the proximal end of the needle shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a semi-transparent perspective view of a collect mechanism in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a partial collect mechanism shown in FIG. 3 following injection molding with the mold removed;

FIG. 5A is a greatly enlarged perspective view of cannula guides of the collet mechanism shown in FIG. 3 in an open position;

FIG. 5B is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the cannula guides shown in FIG. 5A in a closed position;

FIG. 6 a perspective schematic view of the collect mechanism and a portion of the mold in an open position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of the collect mechanism and a portion of the mold shown in FIG. 6 in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a semi-transparent perspective view of a collect mechanism in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the collect mechanism shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of cannula guides of the collect mechanism shown in FIG. 8 in a closed position;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the collect mechanism shown in FIG. 3 and mold components;

FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged cross sectional view of the collect mechanism and mold shown in FIG. 11 taken within circle 12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a semi-transparent perspective view of the mold encasement for the collet and mold components shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a left-side elevational view of a syringe in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG. 14, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16A is a magnified front perspective view of a distal end portion of the syringe of FIG. 14, taken from within dashed circle 16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16B is a magnified left-side elevational view of a distal end portion of the syringe of FIG. 14, taken from within dashed circle 16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a rib section of the syringe of FIG. 14, taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16B; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the rib section of the syringe of FIG. 14, taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” or “distally” and “outwardly” or “proximally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the syringe and related parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 3-7 and 11-13 a first preferred embodiment of a collet mechanism 10. The collet mechanism 10 is used to position and hold a cannula 12 in place during insert molding of a staked needle or syringe, generally 14, without damaging the cannula 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-2C and 14, the staked needle or syringe 14, 14′ is constructed of a polymeric barrel 16, 16′ that is directly insert molded over the cannula 12, 12′. The syringe 14′ of the third preferred embodiment has similar features to the syringe 14 of the first preferred embodiment and like reference numerals are utilized to identify like elements of the syringes 14, 14′ of the first and third embodiments with the prime symbol (′) utilized to distinguish the elements of the third preferred embodiment from the elements of the first preferred embodiment. The barrel 16, 16′ is preferably constructed of a transparent cyclic olefin copolymer or polymer (COC or COP). The hub 200 or distal tip 16 a of the barrel 16, 16′ extends over and is preferably co-molded with a proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, 12′. The cannula 12, 12′ is to be attached to the distal tip 16 a or hub 200 of the barrel 16, 16′ that is directly insert molded over the cannula 12, 12′. The distal end 17 or hub 200 is generally hollow, so as to form a sleeve around the cannula 12, 12′ (FIGS. 1E, 1F and 14). Hollowing out the interior of the distal end 17 or hub 200 around the cannula 12, 12′ reduces the amount of polymeric material in contact with the cannula 12, 12′ and therefore further reduces the cooling time required for the insert molding process, as described below. The hub 200 is sufficiently sized and tapered to allow for a cannula or needle shield 25, generally manufactured for use with staked glass needles, to attach to the hub 200. Specifically, the needle shield 25 is preferably removably mountable to a cap 204 of the hub 200.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 2A-2C and 14, the cannula 12, 12′ is preferably a fine gauge hollow metallic needle, for example, a twenty-seven to thirty (27-30) gauge needle. The twenty-seven (27) gauge needle or cannula 12, 12′ typically has a nominal outer diameter of sixteen thousandths inches to one hundred sixty-five hundred thousands inches (0.0160-0.0165 in) and a nominal inner diameter of seventy-five hundred thousandths inches to ninety hundred thousandths inches (0.0075-0.0090 in). A thirty (30) gauge needle or cannula 12, 12′ typically has a nominal outer diameter of one hundred twenty hundred thousandths inches to one hundred twenty-five hundred thousandths inches (0.0120-0.0125 in) and a nominal inner diameter of fifty-five hundred thousandths inches to seventy hundred thousandths inches (0.0055-0.0070 in). The interior lumen 13 of the cannula 12, 12′ is preferably straight. The cannula 12, 12′ preferably has a tip 12 a, 12 a′ with a three-bevel grind, meaning that the tip 12 a, 12 a′ is tapered at three distinct angles to reduce the pain perceived by a patient. However, the tip 12 a, 12 a′ is not limited to being three-bevel ground and may have nearly any configuration and shape that is able to be inserted into the patient for delivery of the medicament into the patient.

A plurality of notches 18 are preferably formed on the outer surface of the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, 12′. The notches 18 preferably extend radially inwardly and are axially spaced apart from each other. The notches 18 are preferably machined into the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, 12′. The notches 18 aid in affixing or securing the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, 12′ to the tip 16 a or hub 200 of the barrel 16, 16′ because the polymeric material forming the distal end 17 or hub 200 flows into and fills in the notches 18 during the molding process, as described below, to provide enhanced friction and gripping force between the proximal end 12 b and the distal end 17 or hub 200. Because the cannula 12, 12′ may generally not be crimped without potentially damaging the cannula 12, 12′ due to its size, the notches 18, which are formed in the cannula 12, 12′ generally replace the function of crimping the cannula 12, 12′. As shown in FIG. 1F, a portion 12 c of the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, 12′ extends into a hollow of the barrel 16, 16′ due to the molding process, as described further below. At least a portion of the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, 12′ may be textured or roughened (shown in FIG. 2C with cross hatching) by a mechanical or chemical surface treatment to further enhance the gripping force of the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, 12′ and to better secure the proximal end 12 b to the distal end 17 or hub 200 near the barrel 16, 16′. Though the above described cannula 12, 12′ is preferred, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention that any sized and shaped cannula 12, 12′ may be used.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3-5B, the collet mechanism 10 has first and second axially extending flexible arms 38, 40 that form an expandable internal cavity 46 (see FIGS. 6 and 12), but may include any number of flexible arms. Preferably, the collect mechanism 10 further includes third and fourth flexible arms 42, 44. Each flexible arm 38, 40, 42, 44 has an attached proximal end 38 a, 40 a, 42 a (the proximal end of the fourth flexible arm 44 obstructed from view) and a free or unattached distal end 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b. The flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 may be flexed inwardly and outwardly with the greatest deflection occurring toward the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b. The flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 are in a closed position (FIGS. 3 and 7) when the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b are flexed inwardly, towards the internal cavity 46. The flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 are in an open position (FIG. 6) when the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b of the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 are positioned away from the internal cavity 46 (e.g., flexed outwardly). The open position of the collet mechanism 10 is preferably the unrestrained state, meaning that the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b are untouched, and the closed position of the collet mechanism 10 is preferably the restrained position, meaning that the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b are forced together by an outside force, though the opposite configuration may be used if desired.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first and second flexible arms 38, 40 include first and second cannula guides 48, 50, respectively. The first cannula guide 48 is preferably directly opposed from the second cannula guide 50. Preferably, the third and fourth flexible arms 42, 44 include third and fourth cannula guides 52, 54, respectively, the third cannula guide 52 preferably being directly opposed from the fourth cannula guide 54. The cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 are preferably comprised of a polytetrafluoroethylene material, a plastic with nonstick properties such as TEFLON®, that is gentle on the cannula 12, but resists the elevated temperature of the mold 20. However, the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 may be comprised of any heat resistant polymeric material or a stainless steel.

The cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 are mounted proximate and positioned through the distal ends 38, 40, 42, 44 of the respective flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 and extend radially at least partially into the expandable internal cavity 46. The cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 are preferably generally orthogonal to the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44. The cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 clamp a portion of the cannula 12 to hold the cannula 12 in place when the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 are in the closed position (FIG. 5B). The cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 are spaced away from the cannula 12 when the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 are in the open position (FIG. 5A).

A position of the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 is preferably adjustable with respect to the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 and the internal cavity 46 with a tool, such as an Allen Wrench, by inserting the tool into an adjustment opening 60 of the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 to position the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 at a predetermined depth into the internal cavity 46. Because the size of the cannula 12 may change and the size of the collect mechanism 10 may vary slightly, the adjustability of the position of the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 allows a user to adjust and set the pressure exerted on the cannula 12 and the resulting force with which the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 contact the cannula 12. Preferably, the position of the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 may be adjusted in accordance with a predetermined force. Thus, one can ensure that the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 sufficiently position and hold the cannula 12 in the desired position without damaging (i.e. bending, crimping or scratching) the cannula 12, but with sufficient force to retain the cannula 12 without allowing its movement during the injection or insert molding process. Preferably, the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 exert a predetermined amount of force upon the cannula 12 when they are in the closed position and in contact with the cannula 12, such that the cannula 12 is not damaged and the sharpness of the tip 12 a of the cannula 12 is not altered during the molding process. However, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention that the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 be immovably mounted to the respective flexible arm 38, 40, 42, 44.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A and 5B, each cannula guide 48, 50, 52, 54 preferably has a sloped mating surface 56 with an indentation or step 58 foamed in the center, but may have any mating configuration, such as mating V-shaped members. As shown in FIG. 5B, as the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 move into the closed position, the first and second cannula guides 48, 50 come into mating contact with each other and the third and fourth cannula guides 52, 54 come into mating contact with each other, and all of the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 come into contact with the cannula 12, such that the cannula 12 slides along the sloped mating surface 56 into the indentation 58 of each of the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54. When the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 are in the closed position, each indentation 58 abuts the cannula 12, such that the cannula 12 is positioned and held firmly along the center of the collet mechanism 10, generally in alignment with a central longitudinal axis 10 a of the collet mechanism 10, and inline with the centerline or longitudinal axis 14 a of the staked needle or syringe 14. The cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 may mate together in any manner, such as all four guides mating together, as long as the cannula 12 is sufficiently held in place during the injection or insert molding process.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a second preferred embodiment of the collet mechanism 110 is shown. The collet mechanism 110 is similar to the first preferred embodiment of the collet mechanism 10, except that the cannula guides 148, 150, 152, 154 are each spring biased toward the open position. Preferably, each cannula guide 148, 150, 152, 154 includes a coil spring 162 to inwardly spring bias the cannula guides 148, 150, 152, 154. The collect mechanism 110 includes similar elements to the collect mechanism 10 and such elements have been similarly numbered with the addition of a leading one (1). A mounting member 164 is secured to the distal ends 138 b, 140 b, 142 b, 144 b of each of the flexible arms 138, 140, 142, 144. The coil springs 162 are positioned between the mounting members 164 and the cannula guides 148, 150, 152, 154 such that the cannula guides 148, 150, 152, 154 may accommodate differently sized cannulas 12 or may be used in order to ensure that the cannula guides 148, 150, 152, 154 contact and firmly hold the cannula 12 without the need for adjustment. The springs 162 are preferably replaceable such that the springs 162 having the desired pressure are used. It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention that the first and second embodiments of the collet mechanism 10, 110 be combined such that the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 and 148, 150, 152, 154 may be both adjustable and spring biased.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F and 11-13, the staked needle or syringe 14, 14′ is preferably manufactured in an insert mold 20 (FIG. 13). The insert mold 20 includes an A-side mold 22 and a B-side mold 24, separable along a parting line 26, shown in FIG. 11. A core member 28, preferably comprised of steel, extends from the B-side mold 24 upwardly and into a mold cavity 30 in the A-side mold 22. The mold cavity 30 is in the shape of the to-be-formed barrel 16, 16′. A cooling cavity 32 preferably extends through the center of the core member 28 to cool the core member 28 during molding. The A-side mold 22 includes a conically tapered receiving port 34 positioned above the core member 28 where the distal end 17 or hub 200 is to be formed. The tapered receiving port 34 at least partially surrounds a portion of the cannula 12, 12′.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 11, 12 and 14, during molding of the staked needle or syringe 14, 14′, a robotic arm (not shown) transports the cannula 12, 12′ and places the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, 12′ onto a recessed tip 28 a of the core member 28. The tip 28 a of the core member 28 receives the portion 12 c of the cannula 12, 12′ and positions the cannula 12, 12′ generally inline with a center line or longitudinal axis 14 a, 14 a′ (see FIG. 1F) of the staked needle 14, 14′. The A-side mold 22 is inserted over the steel core member 28 such that the A-side mold 22 contacts the B-side mold 24 along the parting line 26. The tip 12 a, 12 a′ of the cannula 12 extends at least partially through the receiving port 34.

Once the cannula 12, 12′ and A-side mold 22 have been positioned on the core member 28, the collet mechanism 10, preferably having flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 with distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, is inserted through the A-side mold 22 over the beveled tip 12 a, 12 a′ of the cannula 12, 12′, such that the distal end 10 a of the collet mechanism 10 is guided by the tapered receiving port 34 to move the collet mechanism 10 into the closed position. More specifically, the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b of the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 are inserted into the tapered receiving port 34 which flexes the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 towards the internal cavity 46 as the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b slide along the taper of the tapered receiving port 34, until the collet mechanism 10 abuts the A-side mold 22. Once the collet mechanism 10 abuts the A-side mold 22, or is otherwise stopped, and the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b are fully received in the receiving port 34 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the collet mechanism 10 is in the closed position. In the closed position, the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 clamp a portion of the cannula 12 to hold the cannula 12 generally in alignment with the central longitudinal axis 10 a of the collet mechanism 10 and with a central longitudinal axis 28 a of the core member 28. The cannula 12 extends beyond the distal ends 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b of the flexible arms 38, 40, 42, 44 and, thus, the collet mechanism 10 generally does not damage the beveled tip of the cannula 12. Further, in the closed position, the cannula 12 is positioned and firmly held in the center of the internal cavity 46 and is generally inline with the centerline or longitudinal axis 14 a of the staked needle 14 (see FIG. 1D).

Referring specifically to FIG. 11, once the collet mechanism 10 is in place within the A-side mold 22 of the insert mold 20, molten polymeric material (not shown) is injected into the mold cavity 30 proximate the parting line 26 (dispensing line not shown) until the mold cavity 30 is completely filled with the molten polymeric material. The insert mold 20 operates at a temperature of approximately two hundred thirty degrees Fahrenheit (230° F.). The insert mold 20 remains closed and the molten polymeric material is allowed to cool to a substantially solidified state over at least the proximal end of the cannula 12. It may take approximately thirty seconds (30 sec.) for the polymeric material to substantially solidify. Once the polymeric material is cooled to a semi-hardened object, and preferably, a fully hardened object, the collet mechanism 10 and the A-side mold 22 are removed, such that the cannula guides 48, 50, 52, 54 release the cannula 12. The staked needle 14 and attached cannula 12 are then removed from the steel core member 28 by a robotic arm (not shown), and the polymeric material is allowed to further cool and solidify, if necessary, to a fully hardened object.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F and 14-18, the barrel 16′ of the third preferred embodiment is constructed of a polymeric material and includes a diameter D, a longitudinal axis or center line 14 a′, a proximal end 16 b′, and a distal end 16 c′. The barrel 16′ is preferably constructed of a transparent cyclic olefin copolymer or a transparent cyclic olefin polymer. The barrel 16′ is not limited to constructions of cyclic olefin copolymer or cyclic olefin polymer and may be constructed of nearly any polymeric material that may be molded into the general size and shape of the barrel 16′ is able to take on the general size and shape of the barrel 16′ and withstand the normal operating conditions of the barrel 16′. The barrel 16′ includes a hollow section wherein the medicament is held prior to injection into the patient.

The cannula 12′ of the third preferred embodiment has the proximal end 12 b′ with the tip 12 a′ opposite the proximal end 12 b′. The proximal end 12 b′ is fixed to the distal end 16 c′ of the barrel 16′. The cannula 12 is positioned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis 14 a′. The cannula 12′ of the third preferred embodiment preferably has a gauge of twenty-seven to thirty-three (27-33). The cannula 12′ is not limited to being in the range of twenty-seven to thirty-three (27-33) gauge and may be nearly any size that may be mounted to the syringe 14′ for injecting medicament into the patient. The cannula 12′ of the third preferred embodiment is preferably twenty-seven to thirty-three (27-33) gauge as this size of cannula 12′ is typically considered to have relatively small outer diameters when compared to typical syringe cannulas. The construction and configuration of the syringe 14′ of the third preferred embodiment is relatively well adapted for small diameter cannulas 12′.

The syringe 14′ of the third preferred embodiment also includes a hub 200 integrally formed with the distal end 16 c′. The hub 200 is preferably constructed of the transparent cyclic olefin copolymer or the transparent cyclic olefin polymer materials, similar to or the same as the barrel 16′. The barrel 16′ and hub 200 are preferably co-molded in the third preferred embodiment utilizing the method described in the present application. However, the barrel 16′ and hub 200 are not limited to constructions utilizing cyclic olefin copolymer and/or cyclic olefin polymer and may be constructed of nearly any material that is able to take on the general size and shape of the hub 200 and barrel 16′, withstand the normal operating conditions of the barrel 16′ and hub 200 and facilitate contact between the medicament and surfaces of the hub 200 and barrel 16′ without contaminating the medicament.

The hub 200 of the third preferred embodiment includes a rib section 202 and a cap 204. The rib section 202 and cap 204 are preferably co-molded with the barrel 16′ and the cannula 12′ utilizing the above-described molding method. The rib section 202 preferably provides strength to the hub 200 in each of axial, bending and twisting loads, without requiring a full cylindrical block of polymeric material around the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12, thereby reducing material costs for molding or constructing the hub 200. The cap 204 provides an attachment area for the needle shield 25. Specifically, the cap 24 provides an attachment area for removable mounting of the needle shield 25. In the third preferred embodiment, the cap 204 includes an upstanding wall 204 a that extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 14 a′ and generally forms a complete cylinder tapered inwardly towards the longitudinal axis 14 a′ as it extends toward the tip 12 a′. The upstanding wall 204 a preferably forms a generally complete cylinder to which the needle shield 25 engages in a mounted position (FIG. 1A). Accordingly, when the needle shield 25 is mounted to the cap 204, even if medicament were to escape from the tip 12 a′, the medicament generally does not leak out of the boundaries of the needle shield 25 and cap 204. In the third preferred embodiment, the upstanding wall 204 a, a base 204 b and the needle shield 25 enclose the tip 12 a′ of the cannula 12′ to contain the medicament therein and generally prevent its release while the needle shield 25 is mounted to the syringe 14′.

The rib section 202 of the hub 200 has a generally cruciform cross-section taken along a rib a plane 206 (FIGS. 17 and 18). The rib plane 206 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 a′. The rib section 202 preferably has a cruciform cross-section along its entire length between the barrel 16′ and the cap 204, but is not so limited and may have alternative cross-sectional shapes and configurations.

Referring to FIGS. 2C and 16-18, the rib section 202 of the third preferred embodiment includes a first pair of ribs 210 and a second pair of ribs 212. The first pair of ribs 210 include a first rectangular rib 210 a and a second rectangular rib 210 b that are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 14 a′ relative to each other. The second pair of ribs 212 include a first T-shaped rib 212 a and a second T-shaped rib 212 b positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 14 a′ relative to each other. The first and second rectangular ribs 210 a, 210 b and first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b are preferably positioned approximately ninety degrees (90°) relative to each other about the longitudinal axis 14 a′, respectively. The rib section 202 of the third preferred embodiment is not limited to inclusion of the first and second pair of ribs 210, 212 or the specific configurations shown in FIGS. 14-18. The rib section 202 may take on nearly any configuration of ribs that provide strength to the hub 200 and are able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the hub 200. For example, the rib section 202 may include a single rib extending radially outwardly from one side of the longitudinal axis 14 a′ or may contain nearly any number of plurality of ribs extending from the longitudinal axis 14 a′ that are fixed to the proximal end 12 b of the cannula 12′.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in the third preferred embodiment, the first and second pair of ribs 210, 212 define longitudinal voids 201 that extend generally along the length of the rib section 202. The hub 200 and, therefore, the longitudinal voids 201 are formed by the A-side mold 22 and conically tapered receiving port 34 (please confirm) of the insert mold 20. The longitudinal voids 201 generally reduce the amount of polymeric material required to construct the hub 200 of the syringe 14′ of the third preferred embodiment. However, this configuration provides sufficient strength at the hub 200 to prevent failure of the hub 200 during normal operating conditions.

The first rectangular rib 210 a has a first radius r₁ and the second rectangular rib 210 b has a second radius r₂. The first and second radii r₁, r₂ are both preferably measured from the longitudinal axis 14 a′ to an edge of the first and second rectangular ribs 210 a, 210 b furthest away from the longitudinal axis 14 a′. The first radius r₁ is generally equal to the second radius r₂ in the third preferred embodiment. The rib section 202 preferably tapers slightly from its attachment to the barrel 16′ to its attachment with the cap 204. Accordingly, the first radius r₁ may be slightly greater at an area where the rib section 202 attaches to the barrel 16′ than at a section where the rib section 202 attaches to the cap 204 and likewise with the second rectangular rib 210 b. However, the first radius r₁ is preferably equal to the second radius r₂ when measured from the same cross section taken at an individual rib plane 206.

The first T-shaped rib 212 a has a third radius r₃ and a second T-shaped rib 212 b has a fourth radius r₄ in the third preferred embodiment. The third radius r₃ is generally equal to the fourth radius r₄. Similar to the first and second rectangular ribs 210 a, 210 b, the first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b taper in the rib section 202. Accordingly, the third radius r₃ may be slightly smaller proximate the cap 204 than near the barrel 16′, but measurements of the third and fourth radii r₃, r₄ taken along the same rib plane 206 are relatively equal in the third preferred embodiment.

The first, second, third and fourth radii r₁, r₂, r₃, r₄ are all generally equal when taken along the same rib plane 206 in the rib section 202. The first, second, third and fourth radii r₁, r₂, r₃, r₄ are approximately two millimeters (2 mm) in the third preferred embodiment. However, the first, second, third and fourth radii r₁, r₂, r₃, r₄ are not limited to being generally equal when taken along the same rib plane 206 or to being two millimeters (2 mm) and may vary depending upon design requirements or specific requirements of a particular hub 200. For example, adapting the hub 200 to a medical container other than the preferred syringe 14′ may result in the dimensions of the hub 200 being changed. Having relatively equal first, second third and fourth radii r₁, r₂, r₃, r₄ generally facilitates molding using the above-described methods, construction of the A-side mold 22 and the conically tapered receiving port 34, as well as facilitates the molding method for molding the hub 200 and syringe 14′.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the first rectangular rib 210 a has a rectangular root width W_(R) and a rectangular head width W_(H). The rectangular root width W_(R) is generally greater than the rectangular head width W_(H). In the third preferred embodiment, the rectangular root width W_(R) is approximately five to nine tenths millimeters (0.5-0.9 mm) and the rectangular head width W_(H) is approximately twenty-five to sixty-five hundredths millimeters (0.25-0.65 mm). Accordingly, the first rectangular rib 210 a not only tapers slightly in radius, but also tapers in width when extending from a position near the attachment to the barrel 16′ to an area proximate its attachment to the cap 204. The second rectangular rib 210 b preferably has the same root width W_(R) and head width W_(H) as the first rectangular rib 210 a, but is not so limited. The tapering of the first and second rectangular ribs 210 a, 210 b from their root width W_(R) near the attachment to the barrel 16′ to the head width W_(H) proximate attachment to the cap 204 provides additional strength to the first and second rectangular ribs 210 a, 210 b at their roots proximate attachment to the barrel 16′ and also limits material for constructing the rib section 202 proximate attachment to the cap 204. The first and second rectangular ribs 210 a, 210 b are not limited to tapering in their widths W_(R), W_(H) from root to head and may have a relatively constant root width W_(R) compared to head width W_(H) or may taper outwardly such that the head width W_(H) is greater than the root width W_(R), depending upon design considerations and applications for the particular syringe 14′. In addition, the root width W_(R) compared to head width W_(H) are not limited to having the above-described dimensions and may be adapted to have nearly any size depending on the desired configuration and requirements for the hub 200 for a particular application.

The first T-shaped rib 212 a has a T-root width W_(TR) and a T-head width W_(TH). The T-root width W_(TR) is greater than the T-head width W_(TH) in the third preferred embodiment. In the third preferred embodiment, the rectangular root width W_(R) is approximately five to nine tenths millimeters (0.5-0.9 mm) and the rectangular head width W_(H) is approximately twenty-five to sixty-five hundredths millimeters (0.25-0.65 mm). Accordingly, the first T-shaped rib 212 a not only tapers slightly in radius, but also tapers in width when extending from a position near the attachment to the barrel 16′ to an area proximate its attachment to the cap 204. The second T-shaped rib 212 b preferably has the same T-root width W_(TR) and T-head width W_(TH) as the first T-shaped rib 212 a, but is not so limited. The tapering of the first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b from their T-root width W_(TR) near the attachment to the barrel 16′ to the T-head width W_(TH) proximate attachment to the cap 204 provides additional strength to the first and second rectangular ribs 210 a, 210 b at their roots proximate attachment to the barrel 16′ and also limits material for constructing the rib section 202 proximate attachment to the cap 204. The first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b are not limited to tapering in their widths W_(TR), W_(TH) from root to head and may have a relatively constant T-root width W_(TR) compared to T-head width W_(TH) or may taper outwardly such that the T-head width W_(TH) is greater than the T-root width W_(TR), depending upon design considerations and applications for the particular syringe 14′. In addition, the T-root width W_(TR) and T-head width W_(TH) are not limited to having the above-described dimensions and may be adapted to have nearly any size depending on the desired configuration and requirements for the hub 200 for a particular application.

In the third preferred embodiment, the first pair of ribs 210 have a generally rectangular cross-section and the second pair of ribs 212 have a generally H-shaped cross-section. The areas between the first and second pairs of ribs 210, 212 form or define the longitudinal voids 201 of the rib section 202. In addition, the first and second pairs of ribs 210, 212 define the cruciform-shape of the cross-section of the rib section 202 of the third preferred embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the hub 200 also includes the cap 204 which has a generally U-shaped crossed-section taken along a longitudinal plane 208. The longitudinal plane 208 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 14 a′. The cap 204 is not limited to having the U-shaped cross-section including the upstanding wall 204 a and the base 204 b of the third preferred embodiment and may have nearly any size and/or shape that is able to engage with the needle shield 25 and withstand the normal operating conditions of the needle 14′. For example, the cap 204 may have a generally solid or puck-shaped configuration that engages the cannula 12′ along the longitudinal axis 14 a′. However, the U-shaped cross-section of the third preferred embodiment of the cap 204 limits material required for forming the cap 204 and the hub 200, similar to the above-described rib section 202.

Referring to FIGS. 14-18, the barrel 16′, rib section 202 and cap 204 are all preferably constructed of a polymeric material and are co-molded with the cannula 12′ utilizing the above-described molding method. The cannula 12′ is preferably fixed to the syringe 14′ during the co-molding process at its proximal end 12 b′ in the rib section 202. Specifically, the co-molded polymeric material preferably flows into and fixably engages the notches 18′ at the proximal end 12 b′ of the cannula 12′ during the co-molding process. The cannula 12′ is not limited to being fixedly secured to the hub 202 by the co-molding process and engagement with the rib section 202 and may be co-molded for engagement at the cap 204, the distal end 16 c′, adhesively bonded to the hub 200 or otherwise fixedly secured to the barrel 16′.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in the third preferred embodiment, the first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b include bulbous distal ends and relatively narrowed stems proximate the longitudinal axis 14 a′. The T-root width W_(TR) and T-head width W_(TH) of the first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b are taken at the bulbous distal ends of the first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b. The T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b provide additional strength and stiffness for the first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b and the hub 200, particularly under bending loads. The first and second T-shaped ribs 212 a, 212 b of the third preferred embodiment are not limiting and the second pair of ribs 212 may have a generally rectangular shape, circular shape, arcuate shape or nearly any shape that provides strength and stiffness to the rib section 202 and is able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the prefilled syringe 14′.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 15, the needle shield 25 preferably includes a relatively hard, rigid shell 25 a and a relatively soft plug 25 b fixed or secured inside the rigid shell 25 a. In the preferred mounted position, the soft plug 25 b engages the cap 204 and the tip 12 a′ is embedded in the material of the soft plug 25 b. Accordingly, the soft plug 25 b limits leakage of medicament from the syringe 14′ when the needle shield 25 is mounted to the cap 204. In addition, even if the tip 12 a′ is not embedded in the soft plug 25 b, the needle shield 25 and cap 204 generally limit leakage of the medicament from outside the bounds of the needle shield 25 and cap 204.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, to the extent that the method does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps in the steps set forth in the preferred method should not be construed as a limitation. One skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

I claim:
 1. A prefilled syringe for injecting medicament into a patient, the syringe comprising: a barrel constructed of a polymeric material, the barrel including a diameter, a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end; a cannula having a proximal end and a tip opposite the proximal end, the proximal end fixed to the distal end of the barrel, the cannula positioned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis; and a hub integrally formed with the distal end, the hub including a rib section and a cap, the rib section having a generally cruciform cross-section taken along a rib plane, the rib plane being generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the cap having a generally U-shaped cross-section taken along a longitudinal plane, the longitudinal plane being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 2. The prefilled syringe of claim 1 wherein the barrel and hub are constructed of one of a transparent cyclic olefin copolymer and a transparent cyclic olefin polymer.
 3. The prefilled syringe of claim 1 wherein the cannula has a gauge of twenty-seven to thirty-three (27-33).
 4. The prefilled syringe of claim 1 wherein the rib section includes a first pair of ribs and a second pair of ribs, the first pair of ribs includes a first rectangular rib and a second rectangular rib, the first rectangular rib positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis relative to the second longitudinal rib, the second pair of ribs includes a first T-shaped rib and a second T-shaped rib, the first T-shaped rib positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis relative to the second T-shaped rib.
 5. The prefilled syringe of claim 4 wherein the first rectangular rib has a first radius and the second rectangular rib has a second radius, the first radius being generally equal to the second radius.
 6. The prefilled syringe of claim 4 wherein the first T-shaped rib has a third radius and the second T-shaped rib has a fourth radius, the third radius being generally equal to the fourth radius.
 7. The prefilled syringe of claim 1 wherein the rib section includes a first rectangular rib and a first T-shaped rib.
 8. The prefilled syringe of claim 7 wherein the first rectangular rib has a rectangular root width and a rectangular head width, the rectangular root width being greater than the rectangular head width.
 9. The prefilled syringe of claim 7 wherein the first T-shaped rib has a T-root width and a T-head width, the T-root width being greater than the T-head width.
 10. The prefilled syringe of claim 1 wherein the rib section includes a second pair of ribs, the second pair of ribs having a generally H-shaped cross-section.
 11. The prefilled syringe of claim 1 wherein the cannula is co-molded with the rib section. 